The advocacy “marathon” to preserve the funding for the Minnesota Senior Corps Programs (Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion and RSVP) has ended with great success. The Senior Corps budget, which had been eliminated under Gov. Pawlenty’s budget on Feb. 18, was reinstated at 85 percent May 30. “I am very happy to say that except for some minimal adjustments, our Foster Grandparents will continue doing what they do best – mentoring children,” program director Jackie Scholl Johnson said. Foster Grandparents are nationally recognized. The program provides volunteer opportunities to people sixty and older. The mentor relationships built by Foster Grandparents help children who have exceptional, emotional and/or special needs within the community. Foster Grandparents volunteer an average of 20 hours per week and receive a $2.65 per hour stipend. Other benefits include transportation assistance, annual medical review, accident and liability insurance while on assignment, a daily lunch allowance, education and training, paid vacation and sick leave, and the satisfaction of knowing they make a difference. The last 15 weeks have taught all of those who participated in preserving these programs a great deal about the following. 1) The importance of the magic between a Foster Grandparent and the child they are helping. 2) Making our stakeholders aware of this. Together we have done both. Legislatures heard from many affected by foster grandparents. Our shared voices rang loud and clear that this program is one of the solutions to our community’s issues. If you have any comments or names of potential Foster Grandparents, please contact Jean toll-free at (866) 895-7992.
